WHO’S PLAYING?  Courtney Barnett (Melbourne, Australia) & Vagabon (New York)

Courtney Barnett, photo credit Pooneh Ghana

WHAT TO EXPECT?  Jagged new rock and roll by the queen of slacker rock.

Courtney Barnett currently has the future of rock and roll on her shoulders. at one time Nirvana carried it, Limp Bizkit folded under it and Jack White propelled it, now Barnett has it. Just 3 full length records and a couple EPs into her career it is obvious she is here to stay and will be a driving force for record sales, concerts and radio play. Her two proper solo albums have each been among the best of that year… easily. Her sound can be as calm as a cat laying in the sun or as vicious as a dog trying to get off of his leash. Her music has that mass dynamic many others strive for and she is great at all of it.

Here is the Vocals On Top 5 star review of Barnett’s latest masterpiece:

This album is exactly what the best case scenario was for Courtney Barnett. After a couple of successful EPs and debut album, then a solid release with fellow slacker rock icon Kurt Vile the stage was perfectly set for “Tell Me How You Really Feel.”

Barnett’s last record “Sometimes I Sit and Think…” was very, very good. It was hard to imagine her next solo album would eclipse it but it has. Right away “Hopefulessness” is a great brooding opener that builds to the songs that will soon follow. The line from the song “take your broken heart and turn it into art” sums up the record nicely too. The lackadaisical approach Barnett is known for is delivered perfectly on “Need A Little Time” as the electric guitars ring in the background. On “Nameless, Faceless” (hey, I wonder if she’s ever listened to Nirvana’s “Nevermind”) the tempo is more upbeat but the mood fails to lift. The Jeckyl/Hyde song’s chorus dips to a distorted darkness that starkly contrasts the verses. “Walkin’ On Eggshells” reveals even more heartbreak and as it sounds like a pacifist shoegaze version of Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street.” It’s not all mellow rock though, “I’m Not Your Mother, I’m Not Your Bitch” sounds like one of those early amazing b-sides from the White Stripes with their brash guitar noise and ambiguousness.

Every songs here is a highlight, you won’t find a weak song that doesn’t possess something interesting. Barnett simply knocked her proper sophomore album out of the park. If she can continue to write songs this good and interesting her records will be must-buys for years to come.

Key Tracks: “Need A Little Time” “Walkin’ On Eggshells” “Nameless, Faceless” “City Looks Pretty”

This show is important and shouldn’t be missed, you’ll likely have tons more chances to see her but never at this exciting point in her career. Barnett has been playing this record in it’s entirety at all shows in addition to some of her other material afterward, tell me that doesn’t sound cool.

Courtney Barnett sounds like: The Breeders, Mudhoney, a closet of flannel shirts

Vagabon is an interesting opener for Barnett, her soft voice is far less rigid than Barnett’s and therefor creates a nice balance. The laid back style of dreamy indie folk rock still makes sense though. It will be a quiet set at times with tons of emphasis on lyrics. Vagabon’s new album “Infinite Worlds” came out in 2017 and will be exciting to hear live.

Vagabon sounds like: Mazzy Star, Waxahatchee, a wallflower’s headphones

WHERE IS IT?  The Truman (601 East Truman Road KCMO)

WHEN IS IT?  Wednesday, July 18th 2018; 8:00 PM, $29.50

Here is a link to buy your tickets right NOW.

WHY SHOULD I GO?

• Barnett is touring behind what will likely be the album of the year on many lists
• Barnett is what is new and exciting in the world of rock and roll
• She is the queen of slacker rock, go be around other slackers
• The Truman is a cool new venue
• You can pick up the coolest Courtney Barnett swag at the merch table
• You can be on the ground floor of an artist who will be relevant for decades to come
• Vagabon is a great opener, calm and introspective but carrying much power too
• Barnett is from Australia, that isn’t close. Go see her while she is here
• The future of Kansas City Courtney Barnett concerts could depend on this show’s attendance, the city should show their support.

You should RSVP on facebook to the event so you don’t forget, here is the link: FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE